Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5
Let Your Light Shine
What is really the core of our mission given to us by Jesus in this world? The core of our mission is indeed to bring the light of Christ, the light of the Gospel and the light of the Kingdom of God to everyone we meet and who sees us. At baptism and confirmation, Jesus lighted up our candles of faith, love, kindness, charity, mercy, peace, justice and all virtues and we were given a mandate to keep these lamps shinning not even to hide them, so that people seeing our good works may give praise to God our Father in heaven and that by our example, others may come to know Christ and the truth. So, are our lamps still shinning? Are they hidden under the bed? Or they are off already, and we are walking and leading others in darkness?
Jesus today uses the image of a lamp to describe how we, his disciples, are to live in the light of his truth and love. He says that no one can light up a lamp and put it under the basket, it must be placed on the lamp stand in order to give light to all. Jesus lit our lamps not to hide them or blow them off but to shine in order to show others the way of the truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. Jesus called John the Baptist "a burning and shining lamp" (John 5:35) because he bore witness to God's word and pointed others to Jesus, the true Light and Savior of the world. Our mission, therefore, brethren, is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - and be freed from the blindness of sin, ignorance, and deception. However, we ought to remember that we are not the source of light nor even the light but reflectors of Christ the light of the world; we must be like a moon to reflect the light of Christ to all. Let not pride overwhelm us and start acting as if we are the light.
Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light and truth? Living in the light brings true freedom and joy because there is nothing hidden from the light. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God's light and who seek his truth and goodness. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him. And they will not lack what they need to live as Christ's disciples. And they will shine as lights that show the wisdom and truth of God's word. However, things we do in darkness will always haunt us and all the days of our lives will be filled with guilt and self judgement, we are no longer free but prisoners of sin. Doing things in hiding and darkness promotes pretense in what we show in light. If we want true freedom, we must live and walk in the light of Christ. As Jesus remarks, nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God, but, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. He will reveal everything to light, and our self-deception will make us lose eternal life.
Therefore, brethren, let us keep our lamps shinning, and even those which have which have been blown off or dimmed by the pleasures of this world, by the power of the Holy Spirit, they can be reignited if we allow him to work in us. Strictly speaking, if you are not shining with the light of Christ, it’s not because you are hiding Him, it’s because He is not burning in your soul; your lamp is off. When He is burning in your soul, the light cannot be contained. Is your lamp brightly shinning, dim or if off? Please let it shine always so that others seeing your good works will praise to God your Father in heaven.
Let Us Pray
Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin, ignorance, and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed. Amen
Be blessed
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